For Teddy fans, the question entering this weekend’s “Battle of the Beltways” series between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles was whether we’d see an escalation of last year’s rivalry between racing president Teddy Roosevelt and the creatively-named Orioles mascot “The Bird.”

In the first game Friday night, Nationals mascot Screech prevented any funny business by fighting The Bird early in the game, and getting the O’s mascot escorted out of Nationals Park before it had any chance to interfere with the presidents race, which George Washington took at the wire.

Tonight, it was Teddy who grabbed the early lead. The crowd roared as the presidents raced down the home stretch, tasting a first-ever victory for #26; but those who were in the stands last June felt an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu. There was the Oriole Bird, appearing out of nowhere in the foul territory. There would be no tripping this time. Not leaving anything to chance, The Bird tackled Teddy to the ground.

One consolation for Teddy: The Bird got his. George Washington was right behind and leveled Teddy’s attacker.